I am deeply saddened by the incident that occurred to Bishop Bagrat and the Armenian Apostolic Church. Retaliating against him for his response during this critical and turbulent period is unacceptable.

In a conversation with factor.am, David Shahnazaryan, the former head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a political activist, stated that the current situation is not just about the issues in Tavush, Voskepar, and Kirantsi. It is about the issue of Armenian statehood.

During historical moments when the Armenian Church took a stand, it is important that their authority and the well-being of their children are not compromised. We hope that the leadership will make wise decisions and allow us to emerge from this terrible situation with our dignity intact, not as pawns in someone else’s political games, but as a powerful force representing our country.

Furthermore, I want to express my gratitude to our church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and to God. I hope that the active confrontation does not hinder the progress of the movement. In reference to Nikol Pashinyan’s statement about the existence of intelligence networks in Armenia, Shahnazaryan deemed it as self-justification and urged the authorities to neutralize them, if they indeed exist.